What is Baby Steps maternity health coaching?

Overview

As a UPMC Health Plan member, you have access to Baby Steps: a maternity program that connects you with a health coach who can help you have a healthy experience before, during, and after your pregnancy.

The process is simple. You’ll talk to your Baby Steps health coach about your questions and concerns. Your coach will support you by providing answers, tips, and resources. They will also assess your needs and educate you on any potential risk factors you have.

How you interact

How frequently you communicate with your coach is up to you. You can chat over the phone for 10 minutes a week or meet in person for 30 minutes a month. We also offer virtual visits through UPMC AnywhereCare which would allow you to talk with your coach from the comfort of your home. Some parents-to-be like to check in before a doctor appointment to go over their questions. Others like to talk as questions come up. In other words, your coach is available to provide support whenever you need it.

Some examples of what you can talk about

  • Prenatal vitamins
  • Creating a birth plan
  • Making healthy lifestyle changes, such as quitting tobacco, becoming physically active, and reducing stress
  • Breastfeeding
  • Baby basics like clothing, diapers, and crib safety
  • Vaginal births versus C-sections (surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through incisions in the abdomen and uterus)
  • Premature birth and ways to reduce the chances of having one
  • Transitioning back to work
  • Managing chronic conditions, such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, or asthma
  • Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
  • Birth control methods after you deliver
  • Vaccinations for infants
  • Signs and symptoms of postpartum depression
An incentive for eligible members

If you meet the program requirements, you may be able to receive an incentive. What you can get for completing the program depends on your coverage.

  • UPMC Health Plan members with employee-sponsored insurance may receive wellness incentive credits through their employer for completing the program.
  • UPMC for You members who complete the program are eligible to receive a baby gift at no cost.*

When you enroll, ask what you could receive for completing the program.

Meet the Maternity Health Coaches

UPMC Health Plan maternity health coaches are here to help prepare you for a healthy pregnancy.

Meet our coaches

Frequently asked questions

Contact us

Contact us to learn more about the Baby Steps program and get in touch with a health coach. Coaches are available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.



*To qualify for a no-cost baby gift, members must participate in the Baby Steps program, initiate prenatal care before 13 weeks’ gestation, and comply with prenatal appointments and testing. Eligibility is determined by the Baby Steps health coach and is subject to change.